On Planet X the free-fall acceleration near the surface is
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Work Energy and Power · Work Energy and Power
Problem
On Planet X the free-fall acceleration near the surface is gX=14m⋅s−2. A cargo drone of mass 15kg needs to deliver a supply crate to a research platform elevated above the planet’s surface.
(a) Derive a general expression for the gravitational potential energy change ΔU of the drone–Planet X system when the drone ascends vertically from an initial height yi to a final height yf, assuming gX is uniform over the interval.
(b) Using your expression from part (a), calculate the minimum vertical distance the drone must climb so that the system’s gravitational potential energy increases by 5.0×103J. Give your answer to an appropriate number of significant figures.
(c) If the drone starts from rest at the launch pad and all of the chemical energy in its battery is converted first into kinetic energy and then entirely into gravitational potential energy at the top of the climb, determine the minimum initial kinetic energy the drone must have as it leaves the pad. Neglect air resistance.
(d) Discuss at least two practical design considerations engineers must address when operating drones in stronger gravitational fields like that of Planet X, relating each consideration to quantitative results from parts (b) and (c).